Page 131 of Molt

“You said no martyr bullshit.”

“This isn’t martyrdom.”

“What is it?”

“Biology.”

She laughs through tears. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Fuck you.”

“Eventually.”

She hits my chest weakly.

Then freezes.

We both remember.

The first day. The same stupid joke.

A laugh tears out of her. It becomes a sob. “You’re such an asshole.”

“I know.”

“I love you.”

Pain rips through me. Another piece disappears. This time part of my jaw. My mouth fills with blood.

Sarah screams.

“Don’t say it again.”

She cups my face. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t.”

“I love you.”

My vision darkens. “Sarah.”

“I love you.”

My left leg gives out. Bone vanishes from hip to knee. I collapse.

She lowers me carefully.

“Stop.”

“No.”

“You’re making it faster.”

“I know.”

“Why?”